Spanish Tempranillo (“Tinta Roriz” in Portugal) has long since been labeled the “noble” grape of the Iberian Peninsula. It is, in many ways, Spain’s darling grape and one the country’s most popular contributions to the world’s best indigenous varieties, although Spain is also responsible for introducing Garnacha (Grenache), Cariñena (Carignan), and Monastell (Mourvèdre) to the …

Which valley? Napa Valley? No. Try the Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Mexico. Mexican wine. You heard me correctly. Mexican. Wine. Yes, our neighbor to the south produces more than just the world’s finest tequila. Just a couple of hours south of the California/Mexico border, in the state of Baja California, …

Spanish wine has been in the news off and on over the past few years. The quality of wines coming out of Spain for the price point is virtually still unequalled in the world of wine today. Some would argue with this statement; but when you add the tremendous breadth of varietals …

When one thinks of Spanish wine, what comes to mind? Rioja (obviously), Ribera del Duero (most certainly), and Priorat (quote possibly). Cariñena? Probably not. This region is relatively unknown to the majority of American wine drinkers but is starting to take its rightful place on store shelves amongst Rioja, Ribera, and Priorat. And rightly so. …

I love the holidays. People smile more and are generally a little nicer; the weather starts to cool down (that is, unless you live in Southern California); and the bubbles flow more freely and more often. Pour me some Champagne, right? No! I say, “Keep your Champagne and give me Cava!” For those who have never …